Exploring America’s heartland by car offers some of the most breathtaking and serene drives in the country. From rolling hills and vast prairies to historic towns and winding rivers, these scenic routes showcase the natural beauty and charm of the Midwest. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or an adventure through picturesque landscapes, these 10 scenic drives promise unforgettable views and experiences.
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Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
Winding alongside the Mississippi River, the Great River Road spans ten states, offering travelers a breathtaking journey through America’s heartland. With its stunning river views, lush forests, and charming small towns, this scenic route is a delight in every season. Along the way, visitors can explore historic sites, wildlife refuges, and local cultural attractions. Whether you’re captivated by vibrant fall foliage or the fresh greens of spring, the Great River Road promises an unforgettable drive.
Route 66 (Illinois to California)
Route 66, often referred to as the “Main Street of America,” is a legendary drive that begins in Chicago and cuts through the heartland en route to California. Although much of the original road has been replaced, stretches through Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma still offer a nostalgic glimpse of classic Americana. Travelers can expect to encounter small towns, retro diners, and iconic roadside attractions along the way.
Flint Hills Scenic Byway (Kansas)
The Flint Hills Scenic Byway in Kansas presents a rare opportunity to witness one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in the world. This drive through Kansas’s heartland features gently rolling hills, vast open skies, and an abundance of natural beauty. Visitors can stop at historic ranches, wander through the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, or simply enjoy the tranquil, unspoiled landscape. It’s a serene escape that embodies the essence of the American Midwest.
Ohio River Scenic Byway (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois)
Following the winding banks of the Ohio River, the Ohio River Scenic Byway stretches through the heartland states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The route offers a picturesque combination of lush river landscapes, historic sites, and charming riverfront towns. As you drive, the rich history of the area unfolds, with opportunities to explore Native American mounds, Civil War battlefields, and early American settlements.
Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)
The Kancamagus Highway, nestled in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, is famed for its stunning mountain views, forests, and rivers. This route is particularly popular during the fall, when the landscape is adorned with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Along the way, numerous scenic overlooks and hiking trails invite you to stop and immerse yourself in the natural beauty. It’s a drive that perfectly captures the essence of New England’s autumn splendor.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Stretching through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and serene beauty. This drive offers uninterrupted views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially captivating in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. Along the parkway, visitors can explore historic sites, hike scenic trails, and relax at overlooks with panoramic views.
Scenic Highway 7 (Arkansas)
Arkansas’s Scenic Highway 7 is a drive that takes you through some of the state’s most picturesque landscapes, including the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. The route is a visual feast, with dense forests, dramatic rock formations, and scenic overlooks that provide breathtaking views. This highway is particularly popular in autumn when the foliage turns brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Along the way, state parks and natural attractions offer ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi to Tennessee)
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic and historic drive that follows a path once traveled by Native Americans, explorers, and settlers. Spanning 444 miles through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, the parkway offers a peaceful journey through rolling hills, dense forests, and rural landscapes. Historical markers and interpretive centers along the route provide insights into the region’s rich heritage. It’s a drive that combines natural beauty with a deep sense of history, making it a truly unique experience.
18. Oklahoma’s Talimena Scenic Drive (Oklahoma)
The Talimena Scenic Drive offers a stunning journey through the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma, with panoramic views that are especially captivating in the fall. This route takes you through dense forests, across rolling hills, and offers scenic overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a drive that immerses you in the natural beauty of Oklahoma, with opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the tranquility of the region.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (M-28)
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, particularly along the M-28, reveals the rugged charm of the Great Lakes region. The drive takes you along the shores of Lake Superior, through dense forests, and past cascading waterfalls. With its abundant natural beauty, the Upper Peninsula is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (Arkansas)
The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway winds through the rugged terrain of northern Arkansas, offering breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains. This route features a stunning array of forested hills, clear rivers, and deep valleys, making it a haven for nature lovers. Along the way, travelers can stop to hike, fish, or camp, or simply enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Ozarks.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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